Resting Metabolic Rate Calculator
Calculate resting metabolic rate (RMR) with optional Cunningham lean mass calibration
Energy burned resting comfortably awake in a normal room
Mathematical Formula & Scientific Methodology
Formula: Resting Metabolic Rate vs BMR
RMR ≈ BMR × 1.05RMR relaxes strict post-absorptive fasting and thermo-neutral requirements of laboratory BMR, representing real-world resting metabolism.
Model Assumptions
- Awake and resting quietly
Variables & Standard Units
| Symbol | Physiological Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| BMR | Basal metabolic rate | kcal |
Scientific Limitations
- Recent caffeine or stimulant consumption can temporarily elevate RMR by 5–8%
Peer-Reviewed Scientific Citations
A reanalysis of the factors influencing basal metabolic rate in normal adults: importance of fat-free mass (1980)
Cunningham JJ (1980) — The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 33(11), 2372-2374
Key Finding: Demonstrated that lean body mass accounts for nearly all variance in basal metabolic rate between sexes and ages.
A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals (1990)
Mifflin MD, St Jeor ST, Hill LA, Scott BJ, Daugherty SA, Koh YO (1990) — The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 51(2), 241-247
Key Finding: Mifflin-St Jeor equation is accurate within ±10% of measured REE in non-obese and obese individuals, recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as the most reliable standard equation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators & Next Steps
BMR Calculator
Calculate Basal Metabolic Rate using the gold-standard Mifflin-St Jeor equation
Cunningham RMR Calculator
Calculate resting energy expenditure directly from Fat-Free Mass (FFM)
TDEE Calculator
Total Daily Energy Expenditure based on physical activity level and BMR